The Gospel According to Matthew

Overview

• One of the earliest accounts about Jesus of Nazareth: life, death, resurrection.
• Authorship: Traditionally linked to Matthew the tax collector, one of the twelve apostles.
• Oral tradition for 30-40 years before being written.
• Matthew collects and arranges teachings and eyewitness accounts.
• Focus on Jesus as the continuation and fulfillment of the biblical story.
  • Jesus as the Messiah, a new Moses, and Emmanuel (God with us).

Structure of the Gospel

• Introduction and Conclusion: Frame the book.
• Five Main Sections: Each concludes with a teaching of Jesus (parallels the five books of Moses).

Key Themes

1. Genealogy (Chapters 1-3)

   • Jesus from the line of David, son of Abraham.
   • Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., birth in Bethlehem, concept of Emmanuel).

2. Jesus as a New Moses

   • Parallels: Coming out of Egypt, passing through waters (baptism), entering wilderness, teaching from a mountain.
   • Jesus as the greater Moses, delivering new divine teachings and establishing a new covenant.

3. Kingdom of God (Chapters 4-7)

   • Announcement of God's kingdom: Jesus' mission to confront evil and restore God's rule.
   • Sermon on the Mount: Jesus' teachings on living in God's kingdom, emphasizing transformation and fulfilling the Torah.

4. Miracles and Teachings (Chapters 8-10)

   • Jesus brings kingdom's power into daily lives through miracles.
   • Call to discipleship: Follow Jesus to experience his grace.
   • Sending out of the 12 disciples to continue Jesus' work.

5. Responses to Jesus (Chapters 11-13)

   • Mixed reactions: Acceptance by some (e.g., followers, healings), rejection by others (e.g., Israel's leaders).
   • Parables about the Kingdom: Illustrate responses and emphasize the kingdom's unstoppable growth.

Matthew's Presentation Strategy

• Old Testament Quotations: Strategic placement to highlight Jesus' identity.
• Acceptance and Rejection: Focus on who accepts Jesus (often the marginalized) versus those who reject him (religious leaders).
• Continuing Story: The tension between Jesus and the leaders develops further in the second half of the Gospel.

Important Considerations

• Pay attention to Old Testament connections and references.
• Observe the types of people who follow Jesus and the resultant transformation.
• Anticipate the unfolding tension with Israel's leaders, setting the stage for the second half of the Gospel.